Tuesday, March 15, 2011

The Victorians thought of every thing. One of the items that I've recently discovered that I simply love is the covered pancake dish. They are not only beautiful, but also very practical. The dishes were comprise of an underplate that usually measures around 9" with a covered dome lid that had vent holes in them. The pancakes were brought to the table warm and the holes were for the steam to escape. Often times, the piece would have matched the china on the breakfast table.

Pancake dishes were manufactured by a variety of companies, including Limoges, Haviland and Nippon, to name a few. Some are extremely beautiful with floral painting with gold trim and ornate finials on the cover. Prices on the dishes can range from around $50 to well over $500, depending on the age, maker and condition. The number of vent holes on the dishes may also vary. If the lid does not have vent holes, it is more than likely a covered butter dish instead of a pancake cake dish.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

The sardine box or sardine dish was a popular item during the Victorian period. The piece is usually made of porcelain and was often times highly decorated. They were also made of silverplate or pottery. It was common for the sardine box to have a finial that was in the form of a fish. Before refrigerators were a commonplace item in the home, canned sardines were served at the table in this attractive serving piece. Some pieces had a hole in the bottom of the box for pushing the can out to remove it.

Antique sardine boxes have become very collectible in the last few years. You can find them ranging in price from around $50 up to in excess of $1, 000. There are also newer, reproduction sardine boxes available on-line...so beware.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Thank you for checking out my new blogsite. My dream of becoming an antique dealer specializing in antique glass, porcelain, sterling silver and fine Victorian antiques has come to fruition. I couldn't be more excited.

Each week I will try to post a new blog sharing with you some of the unique items that I've collected or that I'm selling with photos to go along with it. Although I'm by no means an "expert", I will also try to share some information and knowledge about the items that I'm writing about. One of the reasons that I love antiques so much, and in particular Victorian antiques, is that many of these items are simply no longer available and served such unique purposes.

I look forward to your feedback on any of the items that I highlight and certainly will not be offended if you correct me because of your expertise on a certain piece.